Lisbon to Coimbra Portugal Road Trip

A Lisbon to Coimbra road trip is the perfect way to explore the heart of Portugal, stopping at beautiful beaches, historic towns, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. While the direct drive between these two cities takes about 2 hours, taking your time to explore the stops in between will transform your journey into an unforgettable adventure. Instead of packing this road trip into a 2-3 days, consider slowing down, spending a 1/2-1 day at the locations you choose to visit. You could easily spend 4 to 7 days or more, enjoying the many sights along the way. Here’s our ultimate guide to the top 15 stops on a Lisbon to Coimbra Portugal road trip, from UNESCO Heritage sites to stunning beach towns.

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Lisbon to Coimbra Road Trip Itinerary

• Lisbon
• Cascais
• Sintra
• Mafra
• Ericeira
• Óbidos
• Peniche
• Caldas da Rainha
• Nazaré
• Alcobaça
• Batalha Monastery
• Almourol Castle
• Tomar
• Conimbriga Roman Ruins
• Coimbra

Tips for Your Lisbon to Coimbra Road Trip

Best Overnight Stops on Your Lisbon to Coimbra Road Trip

Our personal recommendations for overnight stops are:

• Lisbon,
• Cascais or Sintra,
• Ericeira,
• Óbidos,
• Nazaré or Alcobaça,
• Tomar,
• Coimbra

Best Time for a Lisbon to Coimbra Road Trip

Spring and fall are ideal times for this road trip, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter has more rainy days than other times of year; and, comes with fewer crowds. That said, we enjoyed a beautiful Lisbon to Coimbra roundtrip roadtrip in December, with only 1 rainy day out of 10 days. Summer weather tends to be beautiful, though it can be quite warm. Summer is high tourist season, so expect to run into tourists, especially at the main tourist attractions.

Lisbon to Coimbra Portugal Driving Tips

Portuguese highways are well-maintained though often have tolls. These are easiest to navigate with a Via Verde pass, offered by most rental car companies. Some of these stops take you off the main highways and into old towns and narrow roads. We generally recommend getting a small car (or the smallest that can fit your group).

We use and recommend DiscoverCars.com for our car rentals. Search for your car rental below:

1. Lisbon

Lisbon is the starting point for this epic road trip to Coimbra Portugal. Explore Lisbon’s many top sights and off-the-beaten path activities before heading out on your road trip.

2. Cascais

Distance from Lisbon: ~30-40 minutes

Start your journey with a visit to the chic seaside town of Cascais, located just 30-40 minutes from Lisbon. You can also visit Cascais as a day trip from Lisbon before starting your Lisbon to Coimbra road trip. Cascais was once a fishing village and royal retreat, though is now best known for its marina, historic architecture, and beautiful beaches like Praia da Rainha. Don’t miss visiting the dramatic Boca do Inferno cliffs, having lunch (or sunset drinks) at Casa da Guia, or strolling through the cobbled streets of the old town. Biking to Praia Guincho is one of our favorite activities (consider taking a surf lesson once there and enjoy lunch at Bar do Guincho).

Be sure to explore the Hidden Gems to visit in Cascais to get away from the crowds, especially during the high summer season. If you decide to spend the night in Cascais, our favorite small boutique hotel is Casa Vela Guesthouse, a tropical oasis in the heart of town. Search for additional lodging options below:

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3. Sintra

Distance from Cascais: ~20 minutes

A detour to Sintra is a must for anyone visiting Portugal. This enchanting town is famous for its romantic palaces and lush gardens. The most popular sights are Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle. While they provide a glimpse into Portugal’s royal past, they can also get extremely crowded. Be sure to take advantage of the early access Pena Palace tour to see the palace when it is empty (we loved our tour experience!). Head off the beaten path in Sintra to visit the Convent of the Capuchos, Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point of mainland Europe), and to hike down to Praia da Ursa.

If you overnight in Sintra, and have a car, we recommend the Arribas Sintra Hotel, located directly on Praia Grande, one of our favorite beaches in the Cascais/Sintra area. This puts you a short drive or bus ride from the heart of Sintra, while having surfing, coastal hikes, and a huge saltwater pool directly outside the hotel. Search for other lodging options in Sintra below:

4. Mafra

Distance from Sintra: ~30 minutes

Mafra is home to the Palácio Nacional de Mafra, a monumental Baroque palace and convent that is one of Portugal’s largest buildings. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts an impressive library with over 36,000 ancient books, intricately designed rooms, and a stunning basilica. After visiting the palace and library, don’t miss a stop at Aldeia Típica José Franco, a (free) village museum. The village is a reproduction depicting village life, and is a fun outing for all ages. For those looking to cool off or go surfing at the beach, Ericeira is just down the road.

5. Ericeira

Distance from Mafra: ~20 minutes

Next, head to Ericeira, Portugal’s surfing capital and the only European destination in the World Surfing Reserve. Ericeira is ideal not just for surfers, but also for those who enjoy exploring the coast. Wander through the town’s whitewashed streets, shop for local crafts, enjoy the fresh fish and produce at the mercado, and relax at cafes overlooking the Atlantic. For a relaxing stroll, walk along the coastal promenade or explore the picturesque fishing harbor. Ericeira is also known for its fresh seafood, so make time for a leisurely lunch at a seaside restaurant. If you’re up for adventure, consider taking a surf lesson at one of its famous beaches like Ribeira d’Ilhas.

The Vila Galé Ericeira has an ideal location for an overnight stay, directly on Praia Sul. Here you can enjoy long walks on the beach, surf lessons, or short walks into the cobblestoned old town. Search other lodging options below:

6. Óbidos

Distance from Mafra: ~30 minutes (50 minutes from Ericeira)

Óbidos is a picture-perfect medieval village surrounded by ancient walls. Stroll through its narrow streets adorned with bougainvillea, enjoy a glass of Ginjinha served in a chocolate cup, and explore the Óbidos Castle, now a luxurious pousada (hotel). For the more adventurous, you might enjoy walking the castle walls. Do this at your own risk, as there are no guard rails on the majority of it. If you’d like some time in nature, visit the Óbidos Lagoon for sailing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. Or, head to the beach in Óbidos or the neighboring surf town of Peniche.

Óbidos is an ideal stopping point for an overnight on this Lisbon to Coimbra Portugal road trip. For a stay in the heart of old town, the Pousada Castelo de Óbidos is a great choice, located within the castle. For those who’d prefer to stay near the beach or who’d like to play a round of golf), we also enjoyed our stay at Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort. Search for other lodging options below:

7. Peniche

Distance from Óbidos: ~15-20 minutes

Continue along the coast 15-20 minutes from Óbidos to Peniche, a small fishing town known for its historic fortress, stunning cliffs, and world-class surf beaches. It’s also the gateway to the Berlengas Islands. Explore the impressive Fortaleza de Peniche, a former political prison turned museum, offering insight into Portugal’s 20th-century history.

Don’t miss the iconic Cabo Carvoeiro cliffs for breathtaking views of the rugged Atlantic coastline. If you’re up for an unforgettable experience, take a boat trip to the Berlengas Islands, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famous for its crystal-clear waters and unique wildlife. You’ll need to set aside at least a 1/2 day for a Berlengas Islands tour.

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8. Caldas da Rainha

Distance from Óbidos: ~15 minutes (or 30-35 minutes from Peniche)

Caldas da Rainha is known for its thermal waters and ceramic heritage, making it a fantastic stop to experience local culture, just 15 minutes north of Óbidos. Visit the Parque D. Carlos I, home to a beautiful lake and gardens. Explore the Museu da Cerâmica or visit the Bordallo Pinheiro Factory, showcasing Portugal’s rich ceramic traditions. The lively daily fruit and vegetable market, one of the oldest in the country, was one of the highlights of our visit. Or, go to neighboring Foz do Arelho for a day at the beach.

9. Nazaré

Distance from Caldas da Rainha: ~30 minutes

Famous for its record-breaking waves, Nazaré is a paradise for surfers and beach lovers. Head to Praia do Norte to witness the mighty waves or visit the Sitio da Nazaré clifftop for panoramic views. For those interested in surfing, we’d strongly recommend taking a lesson here to ensure your safety. Most lessons for beginners are taught at Praia do Nazaré, which has much more manageable waves than Praia do Norte. The town also offers a charming fishing village vibe and delicious seafood dishes, so be sure to leave time for exploring the old town.

For those who would like to stay right in the heart of the village and just off the beach, consider the Hotel Praia. For a more historic choice, we’d suggest the Montebelo Mosteiro de Alcobaça Historic Hotel in nearby Alcobaça (our next stop). The hotel is housed in a renovated 16th century cloister within the broader monastery.

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10. Alcobaça

Distance from Nazaré: ~15 minutes

The serene town of Alcobaça is home to the stunning Monastery of Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Gothic masterpiece is the burial place of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro. Their tragic love story is one of Portugal’s most famous legends. Inês de Castro was originally lady-in-waiting to Pedro’s wife. After his wife’s death, he secretly married Inês and they had 3 children together. King Alfonso IV, Pedro’s father, had Inês killed. After the murder of Inês, Pedro had her formally declared his queen and had her body moved to Royal Monastery of Alcobaça. You can now visit the two magnificent tombs, where Pedro and Inês rest next to one another. If you have a few hours to explore the monastery, we’d recommend taking a private tour, where you’ll learn more about the royal monastery and history of those buried here.

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11. Batalha Monastery

Distance from Alcobaça: ~20 minutes

The Monastery of Batalha (Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória) is one of the most striking monuments in Portugal—and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built to commemorate the Portuguese victory over the Castilian army at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. The monastery is a blend of Gothic and Manueline architecture, with soaring arches, carvings, and intricate decorative elements. Inside, visit the Founder’s Chapel, with the tombs of King João I, his English queen, Philippa of Lancaster, and Prince Henry the Navigator, their son. Other highlights include wandering through the Royal Cloister and exploring the Capelas Imperfeitas, or Unfinished Chapels. It’s a beautiful section of the building that remains open to the sky.

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12. Almourol Castle

Distance from Batalha: ~50 minutes

A hidden gem along the Tejo River, Almourol Castle is one of Portugal’s most beautiful medieval castles (and one of our personal favorites). This 12th-century Knights Templar fortress sits on a small island, creating an almost magical atmosphere. Take a short boat ride to the castle, explore its ancient walls, and soak in the stunning river views. Though there are some signs inside the castle tower with information, this is quite an undeveloped castle. During a December solo visit, I was dropped off on the island, and was the only one on the island for 40 minutes (until the boat came back for pickup). It is ideal for those who’d like to enjoy the castle ruins in private and for photographers.

You do need to plan this stop in advance. The small boat (seating max 8-12 people) to the island must be reserved in advance. There are larger boat options for organized groups with advanced booking.

13. Tomar

Distance from Almourol Castle: ~30 minutes

Tomar is a hidden gem with a rich Templar history. The town is dominated by the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former stronghold of the Knights Templar. Wander through its ornate cloisters, marvel at the Manueline details, and learn about the fascinating role of the Templars in Portuguese history. Plan at least 1-2 hours at the Convent. The rooms are extensive and there is so much to explore. Don’t miss also exploring the old town of Tomar and the Synagogue of Tomar, one of Portugal’s best preserved medieval synagogues. Reserve a table for lunch at Taverna Antiqua to step back into medieval times.

If you decide to stay over in Tomar, the Thomar Boutique Hotel will get you into the spirit, with beautiful views of the castle, and free bikes to explore town. Search more lodging options below:

14. Conimbriga Roman Ruins

Distance from Tomar: ~50 minutes (or ~20 minutes before arriving in Coimbra)

Before reaching Coimbra, stop at the Conímbriga Roman Ruins, one of the best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in Europe. We’ve visited many of Europe’s top Roman Ruins and Conimbriga is truly a special site to explore. Walk through the remains of Roman houses, baths, and public buildings, and admire the extraordinary mosaic floors still intact. Don’t miss the House of the Fountains, and explore the on-site museum to learn more about Roman life in ancient Lusitania. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the shady picnic tables near the entrance to the ruins. If you’d like to make this an even longer break, there are hiking trails going to a waterfall and along the Camino route.

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15. Coimbra

Distance from Conimbriga Roman Ruins: ~20 minutes

Our final destination on this Lisbon to Coimbra Portugal road trip is Coimbra, known as the “City of Students.” Coimbra is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and is such a central part of Portugal’s history. Explore the University of Coimbra, including the stunning Joanina Library, and stroll through the lively old town and along the Mondego River. Don’t miss the chance to see a traditional Coimbra Fado performance, which is quite different from the Fado you see elsewhere in Portugal. Taking a Jeep tour to the Schist Villages of Lousa was one of the highlights of a recent visit, where you can explore remote mountain villages built out of the local slate.

Our favorite boutique hotel in Coimbra is the Boutique Hotel Sapientia. It’s located just below the famous Joanina Library, has spectacular views, and is the perfect base for immersing yourself into Coimbra (find more details in our full review of the hotel). Find more Coimbra lodging options below:

Lisbon to Coimbra Portugal Road Trip Wrap-Up

A road trip from Lisbon to Coimbra Portugal is an incredible way to experience Portugal’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and charming towns. From the royal palaces of Sintra to the medieval streets of Óbidos, the stunning waves of Nazaré and Ericeira, and the historic university town of Coimbra, this route is packed with cultural and scenic highlights. Pack your bags and get ready to hit the road!

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